Discussions at the third annual “From Billions to Trillions” summit ranged from filling clean energy investment gaps to addressing AI energy demand to navigating political risks … and much more.

Explore the wide-ranging landscape of power sector competitiveness across the Southeast United States with the Southeast Power Sector Competitiveness Dashboard. During this webinar on Dec. 11, the Nicholas Institute experts who developed the dashboard discussed its purpose, compared regional competitiveness metrics across states in the region, introduced the resource’s interactive features and information through a live demonstration, and answered audience questions.

Virginia ranks first, and Alabama last, in a Southeast power sector “competitiveness” dashboard launched this week by Duke University researchers, reports Utility Dive. Twelve states were scored according to indicators such as participation in wholesale power markets, net metering policies, presence of a consumer advocate, interconnection standards, procurement requirements and third-party power purchase agreements.

Developed by Nicholas Institute experts, the Southeast Power Sector Competitiveness Dashboard assembles key metrics on an array of policies and market characteristics that influence how utilities, regulators, producers and consumers interact. The dashboard covers 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

While developing countries are increasingly connecting their populations to electricity, more than 3.5 billion people still lack reliable energy and the social and economic benefits that come with it. A new working paper published by the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project at Duke explores how advances in digital technologies, coupled with shifts in development finance, could enable new performance-linked incentives to improve grid reliability.

Decarbonizing the global economy will require trillions of dollars, largely from private sector investors. What could help accelerate the mobilization of private capital to advance climate solutions? Leaders from finance, government, industry, and academia exchanged ideas about this at the second annual “From Billions to Trillions” summit at Duke University on April 9, 2025. 

The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University has named Alix Peterson Zwane as its director of research and engagement strategy, effective April 1.

As climate change intensifies, many low- and middle-income countries face a precarious balancing act between addressing urgent climate adaptation and development needs and pursuing clean energy transitions. A Climate Week NYC panel—hosted by Duke University at the Nest Climate Campus—unpacked the challenges these countries face.

For a roundup of key themes from the conversation, read this Nicholas Institute publication.

Climate Week NYC 2024, held Sept. 22-29, gathered hundreds of business and political leaders across the globe to address the need for climate action. Among the distinguished voices included Duke University, whose lineup of climate experts shared their insights and research at several key events as part of Duke's Climate Commitment. A photo essay from Duke Today showcased the involvement of Duke scholars, including several from the Nicholas Institute.

At Climate Week NYC (September 22-29, 2024), influential leaders from multiple sectors will exchange ideas and collaborate on plans to accelerate climate action. A delegation of Duke University scholars will help drive dialogue at this annual convening, which drew more than 6,500 attendees last year. In addition to organizing three public events, Duke University experts will be facilitating closed-door conversations and networking with decision-makers and with current and potential external partners.

Alix Peterson Zwane, Ph.D., the first executive in residence with the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project at Duke University, discusses what brought her to Duke and how international aid and development can be better targeted to improve people’s lives while minimizing environmental impact.